Actor Shamla Hamza has won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her stellar performance in Fazil Muhammed’s Malayalam film Feminichi Fathima. The film explores the struggles of a mother and housewife trapped in a patriarchal household. Shamla’s natural and convincing portrayal earned her widespread praise and recognition in the Malayalam film industry.
The native of Trithala, Palakkad, Shamla is not only an actor but also a former radio jockey and a mother. Her win is an important moment for emerging female artistes in Malayalam cinema who bring real-life experiences to their art.
Shamla Hamza’s journey from radio to cinema
Before entering films, Shamla Hamza worked as an RJ. He made his acting debut with Thamar K.V. K 1001 Nunakal Se, a Malayalam anthology drama, which also received critical appreciation. Interestingly, Thamar KV later co-produced Feminichi Fatima, the film that brought Shamla her first major award.
According to The Week, Shamla shot for Feminichi Fatima while taking care of her six-month-old daughter. Recalling that period, she said that it was not easy to strike a balance between work and motherhood. “It’s been tough, like any mother,” she recalled. “But my director and crew were extremely supportive and gave me space and time to take care of my child even in between shoots.”
About Feminichi Fatima
Directed by Fazil Muhammad, Feminichi Fatima is a social drama that discusses gender equality, identity and self-empowerment. The film stars Kumar Sunil, Viji Vishwanath, Praseetha, Raji R Unnasi and Babita Bashir in lead roles.
After an impressive run at several film festivals, including the 29th IFFK, the film released in theaters last month. Its OTT release date has not been decided yet.
